| Brazil Expects Record Soybean Harvest |
| Wednesday, 17 March 2010 18:45 | |||
 Washington, D.C., March 2010 – Brazil’s 2009-2010 soybean production is forecast at a record 65.0 million tons, up 2.0 million from last month and up 8.0 million, or 14 percent from last year.
Bumper crops are expected in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Parana, the first and second-largest producing states, respectively. Area is forecast at a record 23.1 million hectares, up 0.4 million from last month and up 1.4 million or 6 percent from last year’s harvested area. Record soybean area was planted this year due to higher soybean prices and greater profit margins in comparison to corn. Yield is forecast at 2.81 tons per hectare, slightly above the 15-year trend yield of 2.80 tons per hectare. Rains arrived early in most parts of the country, which encouraged farmers to plant earlier than usual. Rains were also above average throughout the major soybean regions, and most regions have finished planting. Planting was delayed, however, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul due to heavy rains during November and early December, and 10 percent of the crop remained to be planted as of early January. Excess soil moisture in Rio Grande do Sul reportedly reduced germination in some fields and also increased pest infestations, diseases, and weeds. Harvesting started before Christmas this year in Mato Grosso which is earlier than normal due to early planting and more short-season varieties planted. This year short-season varieties increased to approximately 35 percent of the crop in Mato Grosso, whereas last year’s crop had only 10 percent. Short-season varieties with improved yield potential are becoming more popular because they are less susceptible to rust and can be followed with second-season (safrinha) corn or cotton crops. SOURCE: USDA
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